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Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset's imminent launch
AppWizard
June 30, 2026

Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset’s imminent launch

Valve is set to launch the Steam Frame this summer, with the classic game Portal 2 receiving a compatibility rating of Playable. The Playable rating is due to the lack of support for the Steam Frame's native resolution, meaning while the game runs smoothly, it won't utilize the headset's full resolution capabilities. The Steam Frame features a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 for each eye, an upgrade from the Valve Index's 1,440 × 1,600 resolution. It also offers standalone gaming capabilities, unlike the Index, which required a PC connection. Valve's compatibility rating system includes Unsupported, Playable, and Verified categories. A late August release for the Steam Frame is anticipated, following the timeline of previous product launches.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 5, 2026

How to Transform Your Old PC Into the Ultimate Windows Steam Console

Valve’s Steam Machine is set for release in early 2026 and will run on Valve’s Linux-based Steam OS. Gamers can build a custom Windows-based gaming PC inspired by the Steam Machine using components like an AMD Ryzen CPU, Asus RX960 XT Radeon GPU, and 16GB+ RAM. Installing Windows allows for broader game compatibility, while Steam’s Big Picture Mode offers a console-like interface. The custom build process involves selecting appropriate hardware, assembling it, and optimizing performance for modern games. Building a custom Steam Machine provides insights into hardware assembly and system optimization, resulting in a portable, high-performance gaming solution.
New Windows 11 update will actually make your PC faster
AppWizard
May 28, 2026

New Windows 11 update will actually make your PC faster

The Windows 11 update "KB5089573" is designed to enhance PC efficiency and speed, focusing on performance improvements during app launches and core shell experiences like the Start menu and Search. It introduces "Low Latency Profiles" to maximize CPU frequency temporarily when an application is launched, making app launches up to 40% faster and core shell experiences up to 70% quicker. Reliability enhancements include improvements to the sign-in screen, File Explorer, touch gestures, Task Manager, and the ability to share Bluetooth connections with two devices. This update is part of Microsoft's K2 initiative to optimize Windows 11 based on user feedback, with plans for further enhancements in the future. The update is available for installation through the Windows Update tool.
An enthusiast has created a retro computer with Windows XP in the style of HAL 9000
Winsage
May 2, 2026

An enthusiast has created a retro computer with Windows XP in the style of HAL 9000

A Reddit user created a personal computer inspired by HAL 9000 from "2001: A Space Odyssey," using an NZXT H1 case and running on Windows XP Legacy Update. The hardware configuration includes a third-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, a discrete GeForce GTX 780 graphics card, and 4 gigabytes of RAM. The design combines retro aesthetics with modern functionality, prioritizing performance and compatibility with vintage software.
I investigated Windows 11's massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.
Winsage
April 28, 2026

I investigated Windows 11’s massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.

Windows 11 updates have significantly increased in size, with monthly cumulative updates often exceeding 4GB and some approaching 5GB. One update can expand to nearly 9GB when extracted. Microsoft has shifted to delivering Latest Cumulative Updates (LCUs), which include all previous fixes, leading to larger update sizes over time. The introduction of Checkpoint Cumulative Updates aims to reduce this growth by establishing periodic baselines, but the effectiveness has been mixed. The May 2025 cumulative update saw a size increase from approximately 6.5GB to nearly 9GB, with new MSIX files related to semantic search and on-device AI contributing to this growth. Windows Update uses applicability logic to minimize download sizes for users, but enterprises must download full packages, resulting in increased storage costs. The average yearly storage cost for enterprises rose from about 11 GB in 2024 to 52 GB by 2026. Users can check their actual download sizes through the Windows Update settings and Event Viewer logs.
Windows 11 KB5083769 causing a death loop on 24H2 and 25H2 systems
Winsage
April 25, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083769 causing a death loop on 24H2 and 25H2 systems

Microsoft's April 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5083769, has caused significant boot issues for Windows 11 users on versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users reported problems such as distorted visuals and the Blue Screen of Death after restarting post-update. The issue affects various hardware configurations, including HP and Dell systems. Additionally, the update may trigger BitLocker recovery on some systems, complicating recovery for users without their recovery key. Users have also experienced an increase in the number of restarts required during installation. Microsoft has not yet provided an emergency fix. Affected users are advised to use the Windows Recovery Environment for troubleshooting, including System Restore and Startup Repair. To check if KB5083769 is installed, users can go to Settings → Windows Update → Update history, and if present, it is recommended to uninstall it and pause updates.
It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam
AppWizard
April 8, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is collecting frame rate data from its user base to predict game performance on individual systems. This initiative started with a SteamOS beta that gathers performance metrics. A code string in a recent Steam update suggests that Valve plans to use this data to estimate game performance based on users' CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications. Users will have the option to input their hardware details or receive projections based on their existing configuration. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance estimates compared to existing offerings from other digital game stores. The current data collection is limited to the beta client, but the rollout of this feature is expected to help gamers assess their hardware's capability to run new titles.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

It Looks Like Steam Will Soon Use Frame Rate Data Gathered by Its Millions of Users to Estimate How Well a Gam

Valve is planning to use frame rate data from its user base to estimate game performance on individual gaming PCs. This initiative began with a beta version of SteamOS that collects performance metrics. A code string found in a recent Steam update indicates that users will soon be able to input their CPU, GPU, and RAM specifications to receive tailored performance estimates. Steam will also automatically generate projections based on users' current hardware configurations. This feature aims to provide more comprehensive performance insights compared to existing platforms like the Xbox app and Windows Store. The frame rate data collection is currently in beta and may take time to become widely accessible.
Windows 11’s Gaming Gains Overshadowed by Stability Crisis: Performance Tests Reveal a Troubled Transition
Winsage
January 29, 2026

Windows 11’s Gaming Gains Overshadowed by Stability Crisis: Performance Tests Reveal a Troubled Transition

Microsoft's Windows 11 version 24H2 shows performance improvements in gaming, with frame rate enhancements ranging from 2% to 8% across various titles, particularly benefiting newer DirectX 12 games. However, users report significant stability issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, crashes during gameplay, and compatibility problems with certain hardware and software. These issues affect a wide range of systems, suggesting systemic challenges rather than isolated incidents. The operating system's hardware compatibility requirements, such as TPM 2.0 support, have also limited upgrade eligibility for many users. Microsoft has acknowledged specific issues related to Intel and AMD processors, antivirus software conflicts, and outdated drivers. Despite ongoing patch deployments, user frustration persists due to the slow pace of fixes. The stability concerns have led some businesses to delay Windows 11 24H2 deployments, prioritizing reliability over performance gains. The driver ecosystem's lag in updates from hardware manufacturers has further complicated stability. The gaming community remains divided, with many users opting to stay on Windows 10 due to these stability risks.
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